Can You Trust That New Partner?

When you’re working with an outside company, it’s impossible to control everything. Still, you should keep an eye out for warning signs that might tell you when it’s time to back away. Not all vendors and partners are trustworthy, so watch out for these things, which should tip you off that you might be dealing with a shady character.

Long wait times between communications can be a sign that the other party isn’t eager to work together. Their lack of responsiveness might be telling you that they’re too busy to put in the necessary time with you, or that they simply don’t have their act together. Watch out also for inconsistent information. If a story or terms change after an initial communication, it’s best to cut ties then and there. There are plenty of companies and people out there who will be honest from the get-go. You should likewise watch out for those who can’t take responsibility for their own failings. When performance is lacking, they blame everyone else. Rather than trying to change their behavior, which is likely impossible, it’s best to back away. Finally, sometimes all it takes is a hunch. If your instincts are telling you that everything is not on the up-and-up, you might want to cut and run.